Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ceramic Perpetual Calendar, photographed at SIHH 2017

Understanding Ceramics: Now Used For Watch Cases, Bezels, And Much More – Reprise

There has been a lot of talk and promises made by the watch industry about ceramics and their use in timepieces, so it would seem that a primer on the subject might make us much more informed consumers. Joshua Munchow delivers that right here.

Zenith El Primero circa 1969 on the wrist

Exceptional Movements In History: Zenith El Primero – Reprise

Loved the world over by collectors and watch brands alike, the Zenith El Primero has been keeping the world on time since 1969. And Rolex choosing to use the movement was high praise for Zenith indeed. The El Primero is still considered an exceptional chronograph to this day, and watchmaker Aston Tracy explains why.

My 5 Favorite Diamond-Set Watches Of 2019 – And Why You Should Care

One of the things that fascinates Martin Green about-diamond set watches is the craftsmanship needed to create them. This is a process that cannot be automated and a skill that requires a lot of time to develop. Here he highlights five of his favorites introduced in 2019.

Rolex Twinlock winding crown

Here’s Why The Crown Is The Unsung Hero Of Watchmaking (And Why Rolex Wears The Crown) – Reprise

This is one of the most important yet underappreciated parts of a watch: the crown. The humble crown has played an extensive role in helping Rolex – and the rest of the watch industry – get to where it is today. Here’s why.

Ikepod chronograph 2018

Ikepod: Just Another Mystical Phoenix-Burns-In-Fire-Then-Reborn-Better-Than-Ever Story. Except That This One Is True – Reprise

Ikepod was born 24 years ago and has since died not once, but twice (well, three times, sort of). It is now back for an overdue third coming. Joshua Munchow thinks that the third time’s a charm for this iconic brand from the 1990s, too.

2019 Gaïa Awards: Chopard’s Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Enameler Suzanne Rohr, And Historian Laurent Tissot Honored

If the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève awards the horological Oscars, then the more cerebral Gaïa might be considered the horological Nobel Prize. And the three prize winners for 2019 are . . .

Gerontohorologyphobia: A Young Man’s Fear Of Being Seen Wearing An Old Man’s Watch

Colin was wearing a steel watch with blue dial when the receptionist at the trading company he was working for, a chirpy lass straight out of the BBC’s ‘Eastenders’ soap opera, looked down disdainfully and said, “I hate watches with blue dials. They remind me of old men in pubs.” What happened after that can only be described as a case of gerontohorologyphobia: fear of inadvertently wearing an old man’s watch.

wristshot: Richard Mille RM27-02 RN on the wrist of Raphael Nadal

Richard Mille RM 27-02 For Rafael Nadal: The Quintessential Sports Tourbillon – Reprise

The quintessential sports tourbillon, the Richard Mille RM 027 RN, officially debuted at the 2010 French Open on the wrist of that year’s champion, Rafael Nadal. It was specifically created to stand up to the punishment of the tennis court. Then Richard Mille introduced the RM 27-02, which is even more high-tech, mechanically resistant, and expensive than the first edition. Read on to discover why.

Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie: A Man, A Bottle, A Legend

The 1985 Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie? Ken Gargett loved it. Score? 98/100 if you are playing the Grinch; 99/100 if you’d rather be Santa. Ken thinks that Charles Heidsieck should be a must for everyone’s cellar. Find out why plus what’s up with Champagne Charlie now.

My Top 10 Surprises From The World Of Horology In 2019

As Joshua Munchow looks back over 2019, he is reminded what an exciting year it has been in the world of watches – from changes to the major fairs and exhibitions to corporate acquisitions and right on down to surprising launches from brands. There was definitely enough to keep us on our toes.